Accessibility Policy and Design Specialist

Position: Housing Accessibility Policy and Design Specialist
Location: Montreal

Organizational context  UN-Habitat Canada Office, based in Montreal, serves as a focal point for partnerships, research, and policy engagement in North America. It implements UN-Habitat's strategic plan, focusing on sustainable urbanization and adequate shelter for all. The office emphasizes knowledge and innovation to accelerate housing solutions and contributes to global housing dialogues.
Job purpose  The Housing Accessibility Policy and Design Specialist will support the development of the Accessible-Ready Housing Design Compendium and conduct applied research on accessibility standards and policies in Canada and internationally. This role is crucial for ensuring project delivery and workflow, consolidating research outputs, and strengthening the Accessible-Ready Housing project. The specialist will contribute to the global exchange of Canadian expertise on accessible housing, public space, and universal design, aligning design strategies and policy pathways, and coordinating with project partners to advance inclusive housing solutions.
Responsibilities  Key responsibilities include contributing to the development of the Accessible-Ready Housing Design Compendium, encompassing typologies, layouts, spatial strategies, and technical details. The specialist will conduct applied research on housing accessibility standards, policies, and comparative international precedents, identifying transferable approaches for Canada. They will provide technical and analytical support for policy and standards development, and contribute to architectural typologies and spatial strategies aligned with accessible-ready design principles.

The role involves supporting the integration of accessibility requirements into designs, developing adaptation pathways for diverse needs, and collaborating with persons with disabilities and experts. Further duties include contributing to knowledge products, preparing progress reports, supporting project management, and fostering strategic partnerships.
Education  A Master’s degree in architecture, urban planning, housing design, or a related field is required, with experience translating accessibility requirements into architectural drawings. A first-level university degree with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted. Familiarity with Canadian housing regulations and standards is desirable. Fluency in English is required; proficiency in French is highly desirable.
Work experience  A minimum of 2 years of experience in evidence-based design research, housing typology development, and producing architectural diagrams is required. Experience in accessible, adaptable, and/or universal housing design approaches and relevant standards is desirable. Progressive work experience in housing systems, sustainable urban development, and knowledge management is also desirable.

Experience with persons with disabilities and international organizations is an asset.
Skills  Applied research on accessibility standards and policies, housing design, universal design, policy analysis, knowledge management, project delivery and workflow management, coordination with partners, report writing, architectural drawing and spatial strategy development, collaboration with diverse stakeholders.
Required languages  English